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Delhi Pollution: Farm Fires Fuel Winter Smog
26 Oct
Summary
- Northern India faces worse air quality than the south.
- Farm fires, not the biggest source, are growing contributors.
- Pollution varies greatly within Delhi and across the region.
Air quality in India demonstrates significant regional disparities, with numerous cities in the north recording poorer conditions than those in the south. Pollution is notably concentrated across the Indo-Gangetic Plain. Delhi, in particular, is experiencing elevated pollution levels, with monitoring data indicating that air quality can differ substantially even within different parts of the city.
Analysis from the Ministry of Earth Sciences indicates that Delhi's air pollution stems from multiple sources. On October 26, 2026, emissions transported from the wider National Capital Region accounted for the largest share of PM2.5 pollution at 37%. Transport emissions contributed 20.8%, and other sources 13.3%. Stubble burning, while not the leading cause, accounted for 10.9% on the same date and has shown a growing role as winter approaches.
Satellite data highlights that farm fire incidents have been concentrated across northern and central India since September 15, 2026. Punjab recorded the highest number of incidents, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. This spatial distribution explains why stubble burning becomes a focal point annually as pollution levels rise in northern India.
